Zink was used by ancient Greeks and Romans in a brass alloy. Zink and copper are interchangeable in a crystal structure of brass, and are inseparable because of

Zink was used by ancient Greeks and Romans in a brass alloy. Zink and copper are interchangeable in a crystal structure of brass, and are inseparable because of that. Obviously, brass is useless in voltac pile because of copper in it. I am not that sure about vinegar as a medium. I beleive it will lead to low voltage and weak power, rendering the pile useless for long distance transmission. The same applies to copper wire. You need steel to draw copper to make wire, otherwise wires will be short, need to be soldered and become ineffective for long distance. Also, telegraph lines are too easy to sabotage. Fire signals are much more reliable to rule ancient empire.